The incoming chief executive of Suffolk Football Association has spoken of his delight at landing the position - just eight months after moving to the county.

Phil Knight will start his new role as head of football in Suffolk on Monday and immediately heaped praise on his predecessor, Martin Head.

Knight, a Football League-qualified assistant referee, said: “I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and I am very excited by the prospect of being chief executive.

“I would like to pay tribute to Martin and the hard work he, and others, have done. Martin has left me with a legacy to build on.”

Knight, 46, moved to Suffolk in March to take up the position of referees development officer, after gaining vast experience in football in Kent.

He added: “I have been made to feel very welcome since I joined the Suffolk FA and I have been very impressed with what I have seen.

“It is a little early in terms of identifying priorities, but I certainly want to make sure as many people as possible play football in a safe environment and get as much enjoyment out of the game as they can.”

The Suffolk FA this year celebrated its 125th anniversary – and Knight said he was looking forward to continuing to develop the county’s five-year vision for football in the area.

Knight was speaking just hours before he was due to be assistant referee at Southend’s FA Cup replay against Macclesfield.

A Level 3 referee, Knight can officiate matches in the Blue Square and Ridgeons leagues and is also a Football League-qualified assistant.